A high-level delegation from the UAE led by Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, made up of representatives from Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, recently participated in the official launch ceremony of the Kulyab - Kalaikhumb Road in Tajikistan.

President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan attended the opening ceremony, alongside senior officials and representatives from various financial development institutions that contributed to the road’s construction.

ADFD, via an US$15 million contribution, financed the construction of the 39-km Kulyab - Kalaikhumb Road, representing 16 percent of the total project cost valued at $94 million. The strategic development project connecting the villages of Shorbad and Shagon aims to improve the quality of life in the mountainous and rural areas of Tajikistan, where traffic is disrupted by winter snowfall, by providing year-round transportation services and facilitating the movement of passengers and goods.

Speaking at the ceremony, Al Mazrouei said that the UAE is seeking to strengthen its alliance with Tajikistan in all areas of common interest, noting that bilateral relations have seen remarkable developments during the past few years.

The Minister of Energy added that the support of the wise leadership in the UAE and Tajikistan contributed directly to the strong and cordial relations that have led to cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, energy and transport. These continued efforts have driven an increase in trade exchange volumes between the two countries.

He highlighted that ADFD’s contribution to the newly inaugurated road reinforces the UAE’s keenness in supporting the infrastructure and sustainable development vision of the Tajik government.

In his remarks on the opening of the new road, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said that the UAE is dedicated to supporting and boosting bilateral relations with Central Asian countries and increasing cooperation to ensure sustainable development.

Al Suwaidi explained that this strategic project would contribute to improving the transport sector in Tajikistan through easing the movement of passengers and goods, as well as linking the country’s major cities with international roads. He added that ADFD is keen to support strategic socio-economic projects that elevate the living standards in beneficiary countries.

This project in Tajikistan will boost economic development in the region and better connect the capital Dushanbe to the eastern regions of the country. The Kulyab - Kalaikhumb Road will also enable inter-country accessibility between Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, China and Kyrgyzstan